Ratchet platform

ABSTRACT

A ratchet platform is vertically adjustable and supports a soldier standing thereupon. The ratchet platform has a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet has a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail. The ratchet platform also has a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The ratchet platform has a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub-assembly and an upper linkage. Actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. The ratchet platform also has a base plate secured to the vehicle floor. The ratchet platform has a seat plate which provides support to the platform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and an energy attenuation system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/631,978 filed Sep. 29, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Pat. No. 8,590,853 issued Nov. 26, 2013, which are both hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of adjustable platforms and morespecifically to the field of height adjustable platforms adapted for usein a military vehicle.

2. Background of the Invention

In many instances, occupants of vehicles need to stand up in thevehicle. For instance, in military vehicles, occupants of the militaryvehicles may need to stand in the vehicle with the upper portion of theoccupants' bodies exposed outside of the vehicle. Such instances includethe need to operate weaponry, improve vision outside of the militaryvehicle, and the like. Problems occur in such situations with thevarying heights of the individuals.

Occupants of the vehicles have developed solutions such as standing onitems to overcome problems with the varying heights. However, drawbacksto such solutions include the lack of stability during combat operationsor rough terrain. Further drawbacks include problems with adjustmentsfor the various heights of the vehicle occupants. In military vehicles,problems also include injuries to the standing occupant when the vehiclesustains the force of a mine or improvised explosive device. In suchinstances, a portion of the force is absorbed by the standing occupant'sbody causing severe injury or death.

Consequently, there is a need for a stable platform for a vehicleoccupant. Further needs include a platform that is adjustable forvarying occupant heights. Additional needs include improved protectionfor the occupant against explosive forces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by aratchet platform. The ratchet platform is height adjustable. The ratchetplatform includes a platform upper assembly having a platform and aratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet railsecured to the platform riser tube. In addition, the ratchet platformincludes a platform lower assembly having a support column and aplatform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. Anend of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of theratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. Theplatform base is adapted to be attached to a vehicle. The ratchetplatform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator including apedal sub-assembly and an upper linkage, wherein the upper linkage isattached to the pedal sub-assembly, and wherein actuation of the pedalsub-assembly actuates the upper linkage, and further wherein actuationof the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of theratchet platform. A base plate secured to the vehicle floor. Further,the ratchet platform includes a seat plate which provides support to theplatform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and an energyattenuation system.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as abasis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out thesame purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized bythose skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet platform having aplatform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a ratchet platform having aplatform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a platform upperassembly;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a platform upper assembly;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a platform upper assembly;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a platform upper assembly;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a platform lower assembly;

FIG. 9 illustrates a ratchet platform with an exploded view of aplatform upper assembly actuator;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a ratchet platform;

FIG. 11 illustrates a pedal sub assembly;

FIG. 12 illustrates an upper linkage;

FIG. 13 illustrates a torsion spring;

FIG. 14 illustrates a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly,a platform lower assembly, a ratchet platform attachment means, anenergy attenuation system, a base plate, and a seat plate;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the ratchet platform of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the ratchet platform of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 illustrates an energy attenuation system;

FIG. 18 illustrates a base plate and a seat plate;

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross sectional top view of a seat plate and abase plate;

FIG. 20 illustrates a base plate;

FIG. 21 illustrates a seat plate;

FIG. 22 illustrates a base plate rail;

FIG. 23 illustrates a seat plate rail;

FIG. 24 illustrates a base plate shim bar; and

FIG. 25 illustrates a ratchet platform attachment means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate ratchet platform 5 having platform upperassembly 10 and platform lower assembly 15. Ratchet platform 5 isadapted for disposition within a vehicle. Platform upper assembly 10includes toe queue 20, platform grating 25, and ratchet 45. Toe queue 20is a wall that extends around the periphery of platform 70, as shown inFIG. 3. Without limitation, toe queue 20 facilitates prevention of anindividual standing on ratchet platform 5 from falling off ratchetplatform 5 by stopping sliding of a foot of the individual off ratchetplatform 5. When the standing individual's foot contacts toe queue 20,toe queue 20 also provides notice to the standing individual that theindividual's foot is at the edge of platform 70. Platform grating 25 hasany configuration and material suitable for providing resistance againstsliding of the standing individual's foot. Platform lower assembly 15includes platform upper assembly actuator 30, platform base 35, andsupport column 40. Platform upper assembly actuator 30 may include anymeans for actuating vertical movement (i.e., up and down) of platformupper assembly 10 such as a pedal sub assembly, an electrical actuator,a crank actuator, and the like. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS.1 and 2, platform upper assembly actuator 30 includes pedal sub assembly155. Pedal sub assembly 155 actuates ratchet 45 and thereby actuatesmovement of platform upper assembly 10. Support column 40 providessupport to platform 70 and also provides protection to the portion ofplatform upper assembly actuator 30 disposed within support column 40.Platform base 35 provides a base and support to platform upper assembly10 and support column 40.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of platform upper assembly10, and FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of platform upper assembly 10.As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, platform upper assembly 10 includes platform70. Platform 70 may be composed of any material having a suitablestrength to support the weight of an individual standing on platform 70.Platform 70 is shown having a rectangular shape but it is to beunderstood that platform 70 is not limited to a rectangular shape butinstead may have any shape suitable for use in a vehicle. Platformgrating 25 is secured to platform 70 by any suitable method such as bywelding, glue, and the like. Platform 70 also has openings 60. In anembodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, openings 60 may be of a suitableconfiguration and size to allow an individual to pass a portion of theindividual's hands therethrough for movement of ratchet platform 5.Openings 60 pass through platform 70 and platform grating 25. Inalternative embodiments (not illustrated), openings 60 have anyconfiguration and size suitable for a desired purpose. Platform 70 isshown with two openings 60 but in alternative embodiments (notillustrated) may have one opening 60 or more than two openings 60.Platform in 70 also has drains 50. Without limitation, drains 50 allowliquids disposed on the top side of platform 70 to pass through platform70 via drains 50. Platform upper assembly 10 also includes platform tubecore 75.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, ratchet 45 includes platform riser tube 95and ratchet rail 100. Ratchet 45 may be secured to platform 70 by anysuitable method such as by weld, screws, glue, and the like. In anembodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, ratchet 45 is secured toplatform tube core 75, which is secured to platform 70. Ratchet 45 issecured by securing upper portion 315 using any suitable means. Ratchet45 is slidable within support column 40. Without limitation, platformtube core 75 provides reinforcement strength to platform 70. Further,without limitation, platform tube core 75 facilitates production.Platform tube core 75 may be secured to platform 70 by any suitablemethod. Platform riser tube 95 has a length sufficient to allow ratchetplatform 5 to be adjusted to any desirable height of an individualstanding on ratchet platform 5. Platform riser tube 95 also has aconfiguration suitable for slidable disposition within support column40. Ratchet rail 100 is secured to a side of platform riser tube 95. Insome embodiments, platform upper assembly 10 also includes crash blocks80. Without limitation, crash blocks 80 prevent damage to upper tubeguide 115 (not illustrated) from contact by support column 40. Crashblocks 80 are also secured to platform 70. In an embodiment asillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, crash blocks 80 are secured to platform 70by securing of crash blocks 80 to platform tube core 75. In someembodiments, platform upper assembly 10 also includes platform gussets85 and gusset wall 90. Platform gussets 85 are brackets that providesupport to platform 70. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and4, platform upper assembly 10 includes four platform gussets 85 but inalternative embodiments (not illustrated) includes more than four orless than four platform gussets 85. Platform gussets 85 are secured togusset wall 90 and/or a bottom side of platform 70. In an embodiment,gusset wall 90 extends about the periphery of platform tube core 75. Asfurther shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, some embodiments of ratchet platform 5include platform upper assembly 10 having an attachment opening 65through platform 70 and platform grating 25.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of platform upper assembly 10. In anembodiment as illustrated, platform grating 25 substantially covers thetop surface of platform 70 but not openings 60 and attachment opening65. In embodiments as illustrated, openings 60 are disposed at locationson platform 70 sufficient to allow an individual to pick up and moveratchet platform 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of platform upper assembly 10. Asshown, platform tube core 75 is disposed within gusset wall 90. Inembodiments, ratchet rail 100 is secured to platform riser tube 95 byscrews 105.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective bottom view of platform lower assembly15. In embodiments as illustrated, a lower portion 190 of support column40 passes through platform base 35. Without limitation, allowing lowerportion 190 of support column 40 to pass through platform base 35provides a desired range of adjustability. Support column 40 includesactuator grooves 170 on opposing sides of support column 40. In anembodiment, platform base 35 is adapted to be secured within a vehicle(i.e., to a floor of the vehicle).

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of platform lower assembly 15.Support column 40 includes pedal opening 320 of sufficient dimensions tofacilitate pedal sub assembly 155 (not illustrated). Pedal pivotsupports 110 are disposed on opposing sides of pedal opening 320.Platform base 35 includes platform base opening 325 of sufficientdimensions to allow lower portion 190 to pass therethrough. In someembodiments, support column 40 is secured to platform base 35 by pressfit.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of ratchet platform 5 in which platformupper assembly actuator 30 includes pedal sub assembly 155. In FIG. 9,platform upper assembly actuator 30 is shown in exploded view. FIG. 10illustrates a cross sectional side view of the embodiment of ratchetplatform 5 illustrated in FIG. 9. Platform upper assembly actuator 30includes pedal sub assembly 155 and may have any suitable configurationfor actuating platform upper assembly 10. As shown, a portion of pedallinkage 185 of pedal sub assembly 155 passes through pedal opening 320into interior 330 of support column 40. Pedal sub assembly 155 may haveany suitable configuration for actuation. FIG. 11 illustrates anembodiment of pedal sub assembly 155 in which pedal sub assembly 155includes pedal 175, pedal pivot pin 180, and pedal linkage 185. In anembodiment, pedal 175 has sufficient size to allow actuation by pressurefrom the foot of an individual. Pedal sub assembly 155 may be attachedto support column 40 by any suitable method. In an embodiment as shownin FIGS. 9-11, bolt 165 passes through pedal pivot supports 110 andpedal pivot pin 180. Nut 145 secures bolt 165. In an embodiment, bolt165 also passes through washers 125. In some embodiments, one or moretorsion springs 150 are attached to pedal sub assembly 155. FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view of a torsion spring 150. In embodimentsas illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13, a torsion spring 150 is disposedon each side of pedal sub assembly 155 outside of the pedal pivotsupports 110. The torsion springs 150 are attached to pedal sub assembly155 by bolt 165. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the portion of pedallinkage 185 in interior 330 is attached to upper linkage 130 at one end335. Pedal linkage 185 and upper linkage 130 are rotatable in relationto each other at end 335. Upper linkage 130 runs longitudinally withininterior 330 and is secured to support column 40 at the other end 340.An embodiment of upper linkage 130 is illustrated in FIG. 12 in whichupper linkage 130 has upper linkage groove 345. In an embodiment, theend of pedal linkage 185 opposite pedal 175 is disposed within upperlinkage groove 345 and attached to upper linkage 130. In an embodimentas illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, end 340 of upper linkage 130 isslidably attached to support column 40 by ratchet pin 135 passingthrough end 340 and actuator groove 170. Ratchet pin 135 may be securedby any suitable method. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and10, ratchet pin 135 is secured by washers 125 and external snap rings140. Upper linkage 130 slides ratchet pin 135 longitudinally up throughthe length of actuator groove 170 when upper linkage 130 is in an upwardmotion and down through the length of actuator groove 170 when upperlinkage 130 is in a downward motion. Ratchet pin 135 is suitablydisposed within actuator groove 170 to allow teeth 350 of ratchet rail100 to be disposed thereupon when ratchet pin 135 is in the downwardposition (i.e., at the bottom of actuator groove 170). Platform risertube 95 passes through upper tube guide 115 and lower tube guide 120.Upper tube guide 115 and lower tube guide 120 are secured to supportcolumn 40. Actuator groove 170 is disposed on support column 40 betweenupper tube guide 115 and lower tube guide 120. Upper tube guide 115 andlower tube guide 120 prevent unwanted lateral movement of platform risertube 95 and facilitate maintaining movement of platform riser tube 95 ina longitudinal direction. Upper tube guide 115 and lower tube guide 120may be secured to support column 40 by any suitable method. In theembodiment as shown, upper tube guide 115 and lower tube guide 120 aresecured to support column 40 by screws 105.

In operation of the embodiments of ratchet platform 5 illustrated inFIGS. 1-13, ratchet platform 5 is placed in a vehicle (not illustrated).Ratchet platform 5 is secured in a desirable location within thevehicle. Ratchet platform 5 may be secured by any suitable method suchas by screwing ratchet platform 5 to a floor or other surface of thevehicle. The vehicle may include any vehicle such as a truck, car,military vehicle, helicopter, air plane, and the like. In an embodiment,ratchet platform 5 is placed in a military vehicle in which it isdesired for an individual to stand on platform 70. For instance, in somemilitary vehicles, it is desired for an individual to operate weaponry(i.e., machine gun) that is located on the outside of the vehicle. Insuch an embodiment, a portion of the individual's body is disposedoutside of the vehicle during operation of the weaponry with theremainder of the individual's body within the military vehicle forprotection. The height of platform 70 is adjusted by pressing pedal 175.Each time pedal 175 is pressed, the pressure from pedal 175 actuatespedal linkage 185 and pedal linkage 185 moves upwards, which therebyactuates upper linkage 130 longitudinally upward. The longitudinalmovement of upper linkage 130 slides ratchet pin 135 longitudinallyupward through the length of actuator groove 170. The upward movement ofratchet pin 135 applies force to a tooth 350 of ratchet rail 100 therebyactuating platform upper assembly 10, which moves upward. Pressure isreleased from pedal 175, and torsion spring 150 applies force to pedallinkage 185 to actuate pedal linkage 185 and move pedal linkage 185downward, which actuates upper linkage 130 to move longitudinallydownward. Such downward movement of upper linkage 130 slides ratchet pin135 downward through the length of actuator groove 170 to allow thetooth 350 below the previous tooth 350 (in which the force was applied)to be disposed upon ratchet pin 135. By such disposition of the nexttooth 350 upon ratchet pin 135, further downward movement of platformupper assembly 10 is prevented. Pedal 175 may be pressed and releaseduntil platform 70 is at the desired height. To reduce the height ofplatform 70, pedal 175 is pressed and held, which maintains ratchet pin135 in an upper position within actuator groove 170. With ratchet pin135 maintained in an upper position within actuator groove 170, ratchetpin 135 is not in contact with teeth 350, and platform upper assembly 10slides downward until the pressure is released from pedal 175 or supportcolumn 40 contacts platform 70. As platform upper assembly 10 slidesdownward, platform riser tube 95 slides downward in interior 330.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of ratchetplatform 5 in which ratchet platform 5 further includes energyattenuation system 205. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate side views of anembodiment of ratchet platform 5 including energy attenuation system205. Energy attenuation system 205 includes any system suitable forreducing or preventing energy applied to the bottom 355 of ratchetplatform 5 from passing to the individual standing on platform 70. Forinstance, in an embodiment in which ratchet platform 5 is disposedwithin a military vehicle, a mine or improvised explosive deviceexploding underneath or near the military vehicle applies force to themilitary vehicle and thereby to ratchet platform 5. Energy attenuationsystem 205 reduces or prevents the energy from passing through ratchetplatform 5 to the individual standing on platform 70, thereby protectingthe individual from harm. Without limitation, an example of a suitableenergy attenuation system 205 includes a SHOCKRIDE CRUSH BOX,commercially available from ArmorWorks Enterprises, LLC. Energyattenuation system 205 is secured to platform base 35. In an embodiment,energy attenuation system 205 is secured to a bottom side of platformbase 35.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of energyattenuation system 205 including outer covering 270. Outer covering 270is secured to the periphery of energy attenuation system 205. In anembodiment, outer covering 270 is removeable. Without limitation, outercovering 270 prevents unwanted objects from being disposed within energyattenuation system 205. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 17,energy attenuation system 205 also includes energy attenuation opening265, which is an opening through the interior of energy attenuationsystem 205. In an embodiment, energy attenuation opening 265 hassuitable dimensions to allow ratchet 45 to pass therethrough.

In some embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, ratchet platform 5further includes base plate 210 and seat plate 215. FIG. 18 illustratesa perspective view of base plate 210 and seat plate 215. FIG. 19illustrates a top cross sectional view of base plate 210 and seat plate215. Seat plate 215 is secured to platform base 35 or, in embodiments inwhich ratchet platform 5 includes energy attenuation system 205, toenergy attenuation system 205. Seat plate 215 provides support toplatform upper assembly 10, platform lower assembly 15, and energyattenuation system 205. Seat plate 215 includes seat plate rails 230 onopposing sides of seat plate 215. In embodiments as illustrated in FIGS.18, 19, and 21, seat plate 215 further includes seat plate opening 275,which has a configuration suitable to allow ratchet 45 to passtherethrough. In an embodiment, base plate 210 has a length greater thanseat plate 215. Base plate 210 is secured to the vehicle. In someembodiments, base plate 210 is secured to the floor of the vehicle. Baseplate 210 has base plate rails 260 on opposing sides of base plate 210.Each base plate rail 260 has slidable contact with the opposing seatplate rail 230 whereby seat plate 215 is longitudinally slidable alongbase plate 210 with seat plate rails 230 moving longitudinally along thestationary base plate rails 260. FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate embodimentsof base plate rails 260 and seat plate rails 230, respectively. Asshown, the configurations of seat plate rails 230 and base plate rails260 match each other. Longitudinal movement of seat plate 215 inrelation to base plate 210 allows platform upper assembly 10, platformlower assembly 15, and energy attenuation system 205 to be positioned indifferent horizontal directions. Seat plate release pins 225 areinserted through a pin opening 360 of base plate rail 260 when matchedwith a pin opening 360 of seat plate rail 230 to prevent movement ofseat plate 215 and lock seat plate 215 in place. The seat plate releasepins 225 are inserted on opposing sides of base plate 210 and seat plate215. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), seat plate releasepins 225 are inserted on the same side of base plate 210 and seat plate215. In other alternative embodiments (not illustrated), only one seatplate release pin 225 is used or more than two seat plate release pins225 are used. In some embodiments, base plate 210 includes base plateshim bars 220. An embodiment of base plate shim bar 220 is illustratedin FIG. 24. Without limitation, shim bars 200 limit the amount of energythat is stored in base plate 210 in an improvised explosive device (IED)event by minimizing its deflection. FIG. 20 illustrates a perspectiveview of an embodiment of base plate 210.

In other embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, ratchet platform 5also includes ratchet platform attachment means 200. Ratchet platformattachment means 200 includes any means suitable for attaching ratchetplatform 5 to other objects such as an individual standing on platform70. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 and FIG. 25, ratchetplatform attachment means 200 includes strap 235, strap retractor 245and release hook 300. Strap retractor 245 is a device suitable forretracting strap 235 and for allowing extraction of strap 235 from strapretractor 245.

In embodiments, strap retractor 245 retracts strap 235 upon strapthresholds being identified as achieved. Strap thresholds include anysuitable criteria for retraction of strap 235. In an embodiment, thestrap thresholds include angle, acceleration, temperature, or anycombination thereof. In embodiments, the strap thresholds areadjustable. For instance, without limitation, the strap thresholds maybe adjusted according to the terrain or use of ratchet platform 5. Theangle may be any desirable angle. It is to be understood that anglerefers to a degree of tilt of the vehicle in which ratchet platform 5 issecured. In embodiments, the angle is above about 33 degrees,alternatively above about 37 degrees, alternatively above about 40degrees, and alternatively above about 43 degrees. In some embodiments,ratchet platform 5 includes a sensor that operates as an angle sensormechanism. The angle sensor mechanism may be disposed at any suitablelocation on the vehicle or on ratchet platform 5. In embodiments, strapretractor 245 includes the angle sensor mechanism. The angle sensormechanism may include any type of sensor that determines the angle oftilt of the vehicle. The acceleration may include any desirableacceleration of the extraction of strap 235 from strap retractor 245. Inembodiments, strap retractor 245 includes a sensor that determines theacceleration of the extraction of strap 235. As an example, withoutlimitation, the strap threshold for strap retractor 245 is set to aboveabout 43 degrees. Upon the angle sensor mechanism sensing the vehicleexceeding an angle of about 43 degrees, strap retractor 245 retractsstrap 235 and thereby retracts the individual (i.e., soldier). Withoutlimitation, an example of strap retractor 245 is a seat belt retractor(i.e., a seat belt retractor used in automobiles but with sufficientstrength to retract the individual).

The threshold temperature may be any desirable temperature. In anembodiment, the temperature threshold is above about 250° F.,alternatively above about 300° F. The temperature threshold may bedetermined by any suitable means. In an embodiment, the temperaturethreshold is determined by one or more temperature sensors that measurethe temperature on an outside or inside location of the vehicle. Forinstance, without limitation, if an explosive device contacts thevehicle, the temperature sensor will determine the increased temperaturefrom the explosive device.

The angle sensor mechanism may be powered by an suitable means such asby battery. In an embodiment, the angle sensor mechanism is electricallyconnected to the vehicle's electrical system. In such an embodiment, theangle sensor mechanism receives its power from the vehicle's electricalsystem. In an embodiment, the sensor is disposed (i.e., secured) on thefloor of the vehicle.

Strap 235 includes any suitable type of strap. For instance, in anembodiment, strap 235 includes a long, narrow strip of pliant materialsuch as webbing. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), strap 235is a cable. In an embodiment, strap 235 passes through strap ring 310before entering and after exiting strap retractor 245. Withoutlimitation, strap ring 310 facilitates extraction and retraction ofstrap 235. A release hook 300 is attached to the end of strap 235opposite strap retractor 245. Release hook 300 includes any type of hooksuitable for attaching to an object. In embodiments, the object is anindividual disposed on platform 70 (i.e., a gunner). In an embodiment asillustrated, release hook 300 is a quick release hook with a swivel. Insome embodiments, ratchet platform attachment means 200 includes releasestrap 295. Release strap 295 is attached to release hook 300, and asufficient pulling force on release strap 295 releases release hook 300.In an embodiment, release strap 295 includes a visual 280. Visual 280includes any means for increasing visibility of release strap 295. In anembodiment, visual 280 includes fluorescent material. Visual 280 issecured to release strap 295 by any suitable means such as by stitching285. In an embodiment, release strap 295 also includes grip 290 at theend of release strap 295 opposite the end of release strap 295 attachedto release hook 300. In an embodiment, ratchet platform attachment means200 includes strap adjustment 305. Strap adjustment 305 includes anymeans suitable for attaching release hook 300 to strap 235 such asVELCRO, which is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries N.V.

In an embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, strap retractor 245 issecured to platform lower assembly 15. In an embodiment, strap retractor245 is secured to platform base 35. In an embodiment in which ratchetplatform 5 includes energy attenuation system 205, strap retractor 245is secured to platform base 35 and energy attenuation system 205. In anembodiment (not illustrated), securing means such as bolts secure strapretractor 245 to platform base 35 and energy attenuation system 205. Insuch an embodiment, on the inside of energy attenuation system 205 arereinforcement strips through which the securing means (i.e., bolts)pass. Without limitation, the reinforcement strips facilitate securingof strap retractor 245 to platform base 35. For instance, thereinforcement straps prevent tension during a vehicle rollover fromcausing strap retractor 245 from separating from platform base 35 andenergy attenuation system 205. In embodiments as illustrated, releasehook 300 is passed through attachment opening 65.

In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 14-15, ratchet platform 5 alsoincludes ratchet platform attachment strap 250. An end of ratchetplatform attachment strap 250 is secured to platform base 35. In anembodiment as illustrated, ratchet platform attachment strap 250 issecured to platform base 35 by strap receiving means 255. The other endof ratchet platform attachment strap 250 is attached to platform 70.Ratchet platform attachment strap 250 has sufficient tension to preventunwanted extension of platform upper assembly 10. Without limitation, inan instance when the vehicle rolls over, the force of the roll overapplies tension to platform upper assembly 10. Ratchet platformattachment strap 250 prevents the tension from causing unwantedextension of platform upper assembly 10.

It is to be understood that platform upper assembly 10 is not limited toplatform 70, platform grating 25 and toe queue 20. In alternativeembodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly 10 includesplatform 70 and toe queue 20 or platform grating 25. In otheralternative embodiments (not illustrated), platform upper assembly 10includes platform 70 but does not include toe queue 20 and platformgrating 25.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ratchet platform, wherein the ratchet platformis height adjustable, comprising: a platform upper assembly comprising aplatform and a ratchet, wherein the ratchet comprises a platform risertube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube; a platformlower assembly comprising a support column and a platform base, whereinthe support column is secured to the platform base, and wherein an endof the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of theratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column, andfurther wherein the platform base is adapted to be attached to avehicle; a platform upper assembly actuator comprising a pedalsub-assembly and an upper linkage, wherein the upper linkage is attachedto the pedal sub-assembly, and wherein actuation of the pedalsub-assembly actuates the upper linkage, and further wherein actuationof the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of theratchet platform; a base plate secured to the vehicle floor and attachedto the seat plate; and the seat plate which provides support to theplatform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and an energyattenuation system; wherein the seat plate is secured to the energyattenuation system.
 2. The ratchet platform of claim 1, furthercomprising a pedal pivot support, a pedal linkage, a pedal opening, anda torsion spring.
 3. The ratchet platform of claim 2, wherein the pedalpivot support is disposed on an opposing side of the pedal opening fromanother pedal pivot support.
 4. The ratchet platform of claim 2, whereinthe pedal and a portion of the pedal linkage are disposed outside of thesupport column.
 5. The ratchet platform of claim 2, wherein a portion ofthe pedal linkage is disposed within the interior of the support column.6. The ratchet platform of claim 2, wherein the pedal linkage and theupper linkage are rotatable in relation to each other.
 7. The ratchetplatform of claim 2, further comprising more than one torsion spring. 8.The ratchet platform of claim 7, further comprising a torsion springdisposed on an opposing side of the pedal linkage from another torsionspring.
 9. The ratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the energyattenuation system comprises an outer covering.
 10. The ratchet platformof claim 9, wherein the energy attenuation system comprises a periphery,and wherein the outer covering is secured to the periphery.
 11. Theratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the energy attenuation systemcomprises an energy attenuation opening.
 12. The ratchet platform ofclaim 1, wherein the ratchet is passable through the energy attenuationopening.
 13. The ratchet platform of claim 1, wherein the energyattenuation system is secured to the platform base.
 14. The ratchetplatform of claim 1, wherein the seat plate is slidably engaged with thebase plate.
 15. The ratchet platform of claim 1, further comprising aplatform tube core disposed between the platform and the end of theratchet proximate the platform.
 16. The ratchet platform of claim 15,further comprising a crash block, and wherein the crash block is securedto the platform.
 17. The ratchet platform of claim 16, furthercomprising a platform tube core, and wherein the crash block is securedto the platform tube core.
 18. The ratchet platform of claim 16, furthercomprising an upper tube guide, and wherein the crash block prevents theupper tube guide from contacting the support column.
 19. The ratchetplatform of claim 1, further comprising a ratchet platform attachmentstrap, wherein the ratchet platform attachment strap is attached to theplatform base and the platform upper assembly.